With or without Rahul Dravid, where does India's coaching baton go after the World Cup?
Rahul Dravid was appointed India's Head Coach in 2021. Photo: Getty
Team India, on an unbeaten run in the World Cup, seemed destined to lift the trophy this year, led by Head Coach Rahul Dravid and Skipper Rohit Sharma.
As favourites, India dominated the World Cup campaign until the final, where the mighty Australians stole the show. The perfect opportunity for India has now passed, along with the chance for a perfect tribute to the Indian veteran.
Dravid, the former India captain and a legend of the game, who assumed the coaching post in November 2021, is likely set to step down as he completes his two-year contract.
Regardless, bidding farewell is going to be tough!
What did Dravid say?
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The defeat marked India's second loss in a final this year, following their setback in the World Test Championship final in July.
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Dravid, known for his composure, remained non-committal about his future as the head coach during the Post Match press conference on Sunday, November 19.
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"I haven't thought about it. I've just come off a game. I had no time to think about this and no time to reflect on this," Dravid said.
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'The Wall,' who led India to victory in the 2013 Champions Trophy, expressed pride in working with the players over the past two years but refrained from commenting on his potential role in the upcoming T20 World Cup's 9th edition in the USA and the West Indies.
Kudos to #RahulDravid - turns up for the press conference every time India loses a game.
— D Prasanth Nair (@DPrasanthNair) November 20, 2023
This time, as well, answered all questions with poise and calm.
True leadership ! pic.twitter.com/wsuvSoZMWY
Who now?
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VVS Laxman, Dravid's former teammate, currently heads the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru.
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As announced, he has taken over as the interim head coach for the upcoming five-match T20I series against Australia.
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Laxman also coaches the Under-19 Men's team and the India A teams.
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While there has been no official discussion in the BCCI about Dravid's successor, Laxman, according to ESPNCricinfo, is considering applying for the head coach position.
The morning after. Disappointment. But an awareness that we saw this team play special cricket for 10 games in a row. And a big big shout-out to Rahul Dravid; stayed in the background while the team was winning, fronted up when the team lost. Backed players, created a fantastic…
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) November 20, 202
- Laxman also accompanied the Indian Team, led by Ruturaj Gaikwad, to the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, where India won the Gold Medal.
"That's how life plays out for all of us. We lose some. Like sportspersons, we too pack our gear and go to work," said Dravid, summarising the situation. "I haven't sat down yet and thought about the future," he added.